Kelley Folkening
Office of International Education

Let’s take a few moments to talk about some common myths about study abroad. The truth is there are many opportunities for Georgia Tech students to experience amazing adventures in different parts of the world while earning credits toward their degree. So ...what’s stopping your student?

MYTH: I can’t afford to study abroad.

Fact 1: Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. Program costs vary depending on the length of the program, the country in which the program takes place, and many other factors. Tech has many programs that are no more expensive than attending the Atlanta campus. We encourage parents and students to visit the Cost Comparison feature on the Office of International Education (OIE) Web site to compare costs for various programs.

Fact 2: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition (+$250) when studying abroad on most Georgia Tech programs, which offsets airfare and other expenses. In-state students retain their current tuition, and all students can apply their Tech financial aid, including HOPE, Pell grants, Stafford loans, and other financial aid.

Fact 3: In addition, scholarships are available that can help offset the cost of studying abroad. Click here for more information.

MYTH: Students have to graduate as quickly as possible, so they won’t have time to study abroad.

Fact: Students don’t have to lose academic time. Georgia Tech encourages students to go abroad as part of their holistic educational experience, not as an add-on or as something disjointed from their degree program. If students plan ahead, they can participate in a study abroad program that fits their academic schedule, taking courses that count toward their major and other graduation requirements.

MYTH: Students won’t be able to get the academic credits they need.

Fact 1: Tech doesn’t expect students to study abroad without receiving credit for their courses. All Institute programs offer study abroad courses that count as regular credits or that show on a student’s transcript as transfer credit. Most exchange programs offer transfer credit, which enhances a student’s transcript by demonstrating this experience to future employers and others who review transcripts.

Fact 2: Students in every Tech major have at least one option for taking major coursework abroad, and most majors have multiple options.

MYTH: Study abroad isn’t important to students.

Fact: Georgia Tech places great emphasis on preparing students for the global workplace. In fact, the Institute has set a goal to have 50 percent of undergraduates complete an international experience prior to receiving their bachelor’s degrees. Currently, 40 percent of all Georgia Tech students gain international experience prior to graduating.